Deuteronomy 14:24

And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; [or] if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee:

And if the way {H1870} be too long {H7235} for thee, so that {H3588} thou art not able {H3201} to carry {H5375} it; or if the place {H4725} be too far {H7368} from thee, which the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} shall choose {H977} to set {H7760} his name {H8034} there, when the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath blessed {H1288} thee:

But if the distance is too great for you, so that you are unable to transport it, because the place where ADONAI chooses to put his name is too far away from you; then, when ADONAI your God prospers you,

But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away,

And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it, because the place is too far from thee, which Jehovah thy God shall choose, to set his name there, when Jehovah thy God shall bless thee;

Commentary

Deuteronomy 14:24 presents a practical consideration within the Mosaic Law concerning the bringing of the second tithe to the central place of worship. This verse acknowledges potential logistical challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to obey God's command to celebrate His blessings at the designated sanctuary.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Deuteronomy 14, which outlines instructions regarding tithing. Specifically, it refers to the "second tithe" (distinct from the Levitical tithe), which was to be eaten by the worshipper and his household in Jerusalem (or whichever place the LORD your God would choose to set His Name there). The produce or livestock for this tithe was meant to be consumed in a festive celebration before the LORD, symbolizing rejoicing in God's provision. However, Israel was a vast land, and transportation was primitive. This verse addresses the very real difficulty of carrying substantial amounts of agricultural produce or livestock over long distances to the central sanctuary, especially after the LORD had abundantly blessed them with a bountiful harvest.

Key Themes

  • Divine Consideration and Practicality: God, in His infinite wisdom, understood the practical difficulties His people would face in fulfilling His commands. He provides a flexible solution, demonstrating His compassion and desire for their joyful obedience rather than burdensome ritual.
  • Centralization of Worship: The emphasis on "the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there" underscores the importance of a unified, central sanctuary for Israelite worship. This was a crucial element in establishing their national identity and fostering communal reverence for God.
  • Stewardship and Blessing: The phrase "when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee" highlights that the tithe is a response to God's generosity. It acknowledges that all prosperity comes from Him, and giving back a portion is an act of gratitude and trust.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to set his name there" (Hebrew: laΕ‘Ε«m Ε‘Δ•mōw őām) is significant. It doesn't mean God's presence is limited to that physical location, but rather that it is the designated place where His character, authority, and covenant relationship with Israel would be publicly acknowledged, honored, and invoked. It signifies a place of divine revelation and authorized worship, where His glory would dwell in a special way.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 14:24 offers timeless principles. First, it reminds us that God is deeply understanding of human limitations and practical challenges. He desires obedience from the heart, not just rigid adherence to rules that become impossible burdens. Second, it illustrates God's provision for His people to fulfill their spiritual obligations even amidst difficulties. While the specific instruction pertains to ancient Israelite tithing, the underlying principle encourages us to seek practical wisdom in our stewardship and worship today. We are called to honor God with our resources (Proverbs 3:9), and God provides avenues for us to do so joyfully, even when circumstances present obstacles. The solution to this dilemma is given in the very next verse, Deuteronomy 14:25, which permits converting the produce into money for easier transport.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 12:21

    If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

  • Deuteronomy 12:5

    ΒΆ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

  • Deuteronomy 11:24

    Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.

  • Exodus 23:31

    And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee.
← Back